Launched in 2007, Queen Victoria has provided options for Cunard passengers. It is not as well known as Queen Mary 2, and with a guest capacity of 2,014 Queen Victoria is significantly smaller than her sister, but the high-end luxury is still all pervasive in an atmosphere that is often found lacking on larger vessels. As with all Cunard ships, the décor and facilities are designed to make you feel like royalty. The double-deck Queens Room, for example, was created to resemble Queen Victoria’s preferred residence, Osborne House.
The ship has the most progressive design features for today’s luxury travel experience, while simultaneously reminding passengers of the Cunard history that began in 1840 by using old-world style fixtures and furnishings. The combination of rich heritage and modern comfort is at the heart of the Cunard style.
The British style of understated elegance stands in stark contrast to the showy glitz on many other large cruise ships, creating an ambience that works. While cabins on Queen Victoria have been created for state-of-the-art comfort and convenience, many public rooms have a classy antique feel that only the best of British can successfully emulate. In any case, Queen Victoria is not a floating museum trapped in the past. Renovations in 2015 saw the addition of nine single cabins in a nod to the changing cruising demographic. The vessel retains its popularity with mature aged travellers, and although families are catered for in style, people with adventurous children may prefer the action-packed onboard activities of alternative cruise lines.
Having said that, if Cunard is your style, Queen Victoria could be the right option for you. The amenities are not only classically classy, they are also spread throughout the ship for your pleasure. There are 6 restaurants, 15 lounges/bars, 3 swimming pools (including a hydrotherapy pool), 5 jacuzzis, 9 shops/boutiques, 12 elevators and a whole lot more.
Cabins on Queen Victoria
There are more than 30 grades of cabins on Queen Victoria ranging from smallish twin rooms to Grand Suites approximately 15 times larger. Standard outside cabins are the most common option on board. These come with plenty of cupboard space, shelving and drawers so you never feel too cluttered. The comfy sofa and plush carpet not only feel great but also minimise noise from outside. The bed is also big and plush, with a nice touch of three pillows for each person. Bathrooms are compact but functional, as expected, but provide enough room to shower and freshen up for any occasion.
Every cabin comes with a flat-screen TV, phone, refrigerator, safe, bathrobes/slippers, hair-dryer, 24-hour room service and nightly turn-down service. Power sockets are available for both 220V and 110V appliances.
Suite guests receive additional perks, and for those with a little more money to spend it can transform your onboard experience from ordinary to luxurious. All Suite passengers receive access to exclusive venues including restaurants, sun decks and lounge areas. You can also take advantage of the 24-hour butler service, priority check-in, en-suite dining, welcome gifts, complimentary mini-bar, luxury bath products, PC gaming console and even shoe shine.
Suites include a large bedroom with king bed, whirlpool bathtub, separate living area and floor to ceiling sliding doors. Grand Suites include a separate dining area and walk in closet with dressing room. In all, 71% of Queen Victoria cabins have a balcony, and there are also 20 wheelchair-accessible cabins.
Queen Victoria restaurant and dining options
The traditional British class system is alive on Cunard vessels, reflected in the special perks available for passengers in the more expensive suites. However, regardless of your accommodation you are assured of many fine dining choices. Those in the most expensive cabins can dine at the intimate and stylish Queens Grill. Passengers in the next grade eat at the Princess Grill, and the majority of passengers dine at the Britannia Grill, a traditional restaurant typical of big cruise ships.
All three restaurants are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, the restaurant settings are elegant, the décor impressive, and the dining options are varied to suit a wide range of tastes. As Cunard ships are a favourite with both British and American travellers there is variety within many of the food options to suit both styles and tastes.
Another very popular eating venue is The Verandah, located on Deck 2. This is a sophisticated and relaxed place for those who want to get away from the formal atmosphere in the major dining rooms. Although items at The Verandah are not free, the range of tasty delicacies almost ensures you will want to sample the fare. The Golden Lion pub, a signature Cunard British pub also provides meals, and is extremely popular with Brits keen to sample a pub-style lunch.
Then again, after a day at sea you may feel like kicking-back in your cabin and enjoying room service at no extra charge. Although options are limited, most of us will still feel like we are being spoiled. And of course, a voyage on Queen Victoria wouldn’t be complete without sampling afternoon tea in the Queens Room or Grills Lounge. Here you can enjoy your tea with sandwiches or scones and jam.
Activities and entertainment
As a smaller Cunard vessel you might think Queen Victoria is lacking in entertainment, but you would be mistaken. For example, The Royal Court Theatre extends three-decks high, and is swathed in red velvet. There are even 10 private boxes for experiencing a taste of royalty. Here you will enjoy stage-show extravaganzas, soloists, singers, concerts and dance.
The Queens Room, inspired by the Osborne House ballroom, is a beautifully decorated venue where balls, cocktail receptions, concerts and even fencing classes take place. Magnificent chandeliers reflect light of stately columns, creating a real sense of at-sea opulence. Dance classes are held here in the evenings, with gentleman hosts available to guide single ladies around the dance floor. Other onboard venues include:
- Veuve Cliquot Champagne Bar: Enjoy bubbly, Danish pastry or a mid-morning coffee.
- Chart Room: Comfy British style including trumpet light fixtures emulating those on the original Queen Mary (1936)
- Commodore Club: Listen to the band while reposing on quality Chesterfield-style seats.
- Churchill’s Cigar Lounge: A small club for appreciating fine cigars and a drink among friends.
- Hemispheres: A circular shaped nightclub suitable for late night dancing. Enrichment lectures are held here during the day.
Public rooms are a must on a cruise ship. It’s a pleasure to leisurely stroll around and explore all that Queen Victoria has to offer. The extensive library is a breath of fresh air for avid readers who are often disappointed with small libraries on most modern ships. Here you will find 6,000 volumes in a two-deck library accessed by an elegant spiral staircase. Newly installed internet stations, courtesy of the 2015 upgrades can be found on the top floor. The Card Room is adjacent to the library.
The Royal Arcade, at the heart of Queen Victoria, is the vessel’s shopping hub, and also includes an art gallery. You can also take time to visit Cunardia, a museum that teaches the history of the Cunard Line since it was founded in 1840.
Spa, fitness and wellness on Queen Victoria
The Cunard Royal Spa includes treatment rooms, a spa and gym. The gym has a good range of cardiovascular and resistance equipment, plus staff that host classes in aerobics and pilates. Treatment rooms include a window and a private shower for freshening up.
Next to the spa is a popular thermal suite with several steam rooms that include beds and heated tiles. The weather on Atlantic crossings is not always optimal for sunning on the top deck and the thermal suite makes a great alternative. Here you will also appreciate the thermal pool.
The two major pools on Queen Victoria, both on Deck 9, can actually be an uncrowded and relaxing space compared to most large cruise ship pool areas. There are also jacuzzis plus sunbeds with towels provided.
Although action sports are not a feature on Queen Victoria, there is at least an opportunity to play table tennis, shuffle board, paddle tennis, golf practice, or have a leisurely saunter around the deck. Also, there is ample space for curling up on a reclining seat under a warm steamer blanket while appreciating the sea air.
In true Cunard style, Queen Victoria seems to have almost free reign on the high seas. Cruises take place around the British Isles, Europe, the US and around the world. For those wanting to experience the real tradition of cruising, Cunard springs immediately to mind, and Queen Victoria represents the Cunard ideals in majestic fashion.
Queen Victoria deck plans
Click here or the ship image below to download the latest version on the Queen Victoria deck plans PDF.
Queen Victoria stats
Capacity | 2,014 passengers |
Crew | 900 |
Decks | 12 passenger, 16 total decks |
Completed | 2007 |
Max Speed | 23.7 knots |
Gross Tonnage | 90,000 GT |
Length | 964.5 ft / 294 m |
Beam | 106 ft / 32.3 m |
Height | 205 ft / 62.5 m |
Draught | 26.2 ft / 8 m |
Installed power | Sulzer ZA40 diesel engines 63,400 kW (combined) |
Official Cunard website.
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